Warrant service reveals marijuana dealing

Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office deputies failed to find the subject of their warrant but came away with a suspect regardless.

On June 23, deputies inquired at a house on the 500 block of Back Street in Jackson Heights regarding the warrant but did not find the person in question. While talking to resident Haley Goodman, they reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana at the home and Deputy Justin Smith asked Goodman when the last time someone smoked marijuana at the house.

She said it never happened, but after the deputy pointed out the three joints in an ashtray by the door, Goodman recanted. After being granted permission to search the residence, deputies seized a number of small bags of marijuana and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

“Deputy Smith did an outstanding job in pursuing what he smelt and observed at this home,” Sheriff Chris Hill said in a statement. “Deputy Smith did not just attempt to serve a warrant, but had the intuition and knowledge to further investigate potential drug activity when he smelt the odor of burning marijuana coming from the home.”

Hill continued, “The seizure and arrest directly benefits the community by identifying the offenders, and removing the drugs for potential sale on the street. I am concerned about the suspect’s age and I hope some sort of intervention will now occur.”

Goodman, 18, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute a Schedule VI controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She received a $10,300 bond, posted bond and was released.

In all, deputies seized 23 bags of marijuana, four smoking devices, a “drug culture” book and multiple other items of drug paraphernalia.

Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.

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